📸Lake Moogerah, Queensland, Cherry Ward
These last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activity, balancing demanding work with moments of quiet reflection as I spent the day fishing for bass with my son, an avid angler.
I learned that bass are shy creatures, requiring stillness and quiet to entice a bite as shallow fish are hypersensitive to everything going on around them. This forced stillness provided ample opportunity to reflect on the physical and mental benefits of fishing.
Physical and Mental Benefits of Fishing
Beyond the obvious physical benefits of being in nature, soaking up vitamin D, and engaging in light exercise, research highlights the profound impact fishing can have on mental well-being.
Mood boost as being near water generates mood-boosting negative ions and has a naturally calming effect. [1]
Mindfulness and calm as the focused process of baiting and casting cultivates mindfulness, promoting a sense of calm and fulfillment. [2]
Therapeutic effects as studies indicate that fishing therapy can be particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety, offering both short-term relief and long-term healing. [3, 4]
Fishing requires patience and resilience, teaching us to persevere even when faced with setbacks. This translates into valuable life skills applicable beyond the water's edge.
Fishing provides a natural escape from technology, allowing us to disconnect and reconnect with the natural world.
A recent study interviewing participants before and after a fishing summer camp revealed increased optimism, self-assurance, and emotional resilience among the anglers. [5]
How do you unplug and focus on your well-being?
References:
Li, Q., Morimoto, K., Nakadai, A., Inagaki, H., Katsumata, M., Shimizu, T., ... & Miyazaki, Y. (2007). Forest bathing enhances human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. International journal of immunopathology and pharmacology, 20(2 Suppl), 3-8.
Arlinghaus, R., & Cooke, S. J. (2009). Recreational fishing: socio-economic importance, conservation issues and management challenges. Aquatic resources, culture and development, 5(1), 39-58.
Bennett, G. F. (2001). The therapeutic benefits of fishing. International Journal of Wilderness, 7(3), 22-25.
Schisler, D. (2018). Fishing for hope: Veterans finding peace on the water. Lyons Press.
Walker, G. J., & Claus, C. P. (2010). The influence of a summer fishing camp experience on the self-concept of at-risk adolescent males. Journal of Experiential Education, 33(1), 51-66.
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